Campaigners are this weekend calling for an annual celebration of the positive contribution of immigration to Britain. The call, led by politicians, faith groups, academics and artists, comes as the nation prepares to celebrate Windrush Day, marking the 65th anniversary of the arrival into Tilbury Docks of the MV Empire Windrush and the first wave of post-war immigration.

This is the story of one man whose life spanned several decades of change. Eddie describes a physical and emotional journey that takes us from colonial Jamaica to contemporary Britain. But Eddie’s journey also reflects the distance this country has travelled to adapt to its multi-cultural and multi ethic heritage, reflected in London's 2012 Olympics.

The transformation of post war Britain started on 21 June 1948 with the first major wave of migration, the docking of MV Empire Windrush at Tilbury with 492 men and women from Jamaica and Trinidad. Although there has been a black presence in Britain since Roman times and at one stage 10,000 black people lived in London during the 17th Century.